Rudolph J Scavuzzo

Rudolph Joseph Scavuzzo, Jr., Ph. D., P.E., 82, died Sunday April 24, 2016 surrounded by his beloved and devoted family.
Born in North Plainfield, New Jersey on January 21, 1934, Rudy grew up and lived in North Plainfield before attending Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and then serving in the Army, stationed in Maryland. Rudy received his Master's (1959) and PhD (1963) in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Pittsburgh. After working briefly in industry, Rudy was an associate professor at Toledo University, taught at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Hartford, Connecticut and finally served as the Department Head of Mechanical Engineering and Associate Dean College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering for 27 years at The University of Akron until he retired in June of 2000. Among his many awards in his distinguished academic and consulting career, Dr. Scavuzzo was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for working 50 years in the area of shock and vibration. He was elected a fellow in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1989 as well as presented the Dedicated Service Award in 2014. In addition, Rudy authored textbooks and dozens of published technical articles in a variety of disciplines. His vocational legacy and joy were the hundreds of students whom he loved and mentored.
Rudy was preceded in death by his treasured wife of almost 60 years, Peggy Ann (Eckner) Scavuzzo. His most important contribution was beyond his professional career: being the proud father of ten children as well as his deep affection for their spouses: Susan (Dan) Kasinec, Steve (Jill) Scavuzzo, David (Angie) Scavuzzo, Richard (Sonija) Scavuzzo, Caroline Kellackey, D. Paul (Kim) Scavuzzo, John (Tracey) Scavuzzo, Robert (Kelley) Scavuzzo, Diane (Mike) Hibbard and James (Colleen) Scavuzzo. Rudy also adored and doted on his 28 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Robert (Jennifer) Scavuzzo and sister-in-law, Judy (Tom) Kintigh, and his nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. on Saturday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m. Calling hours will be Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 1:30. Presiding clergy will be Rev. David Scavuzzo. Interment will follow at Moore's Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Christopher Liberati officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Strongsville United Methodist Church, 13500 Royalton Road, Strongsville, Ohio 44136 where Rudy was an active member. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)